OPGA, POINT Launch Prosthetic Parity Fundraising Initiative

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) and POINT Health Centers of America have recently launched a series of fundraising initiatives to support the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL), the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) campaign for prosthetic coverage.

"The Action Plan for People with Limb Loss benefits individuals as well as practitioners," said Morgan Sheets, APPLL national campaign director. "More and more facilities are recognizing this and stepping up to support the campaign." The ACA has been very effective in their advocacy for prosthetic coverage," said Susi Ebersbach, director of business development for POINT Health Centers. "This has a direct benefit on the patients and the practitioners in our network."

OPGA and POINT Health launched their fundraising efforts during the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly September 27-30 in Hollywood, Florida, with a gift of $7,000. This gift was presented at OPGA's party on Thursday, September 27, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, but this partnership started much earlier, Sheets noted. "OPGA and POINT Health sent a letter to their preferred suppliers and vendors in August asking them to match their pledge of $7,000. Several companies made commitments to donate to the campaign, including O&P1, oandp.com, Knit Rite, RSL Steeper, and CPO Services."

Sheets continued, "OPGA and POINT Health are now asking their members to step up and donate to the ACA's advocacy efforts. The party at AOPA's Assembly was the kickofffor a matching gift campaign among their 1,300 member facilities. And they are offering an incentive. Every facility that contributes to the campaign will be entered into a drawing for a cruise in January.

"They are hoping to raise at least an additional $7,000 through the matching gift efforts," Sheets added. This check will be presented to ACA President and CEO Paddy Rossbach, RN, at the OPGA and POINT Health preferred vendor cruise in January.

In the past nine months, the ACA has supported coverage efforts in states throughout the country. Three of these states recently passed bills requiring prosthetic coverage: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and California. They join Colorado, Maine, and New Hampshire.

"The ACA provides day-to-day technical assistance, assists states in implementing their grassroots and direct lobbying plans, works to educate and raise awareness among the general public, and coordinates press outreach," Sheets explained.

"The ACA is working hard to make sure patients get the coverage they need," said Rossbach. "We need the support of practitioners and industry partners to continue to build and enhance our efforts."

"I hope that all of our facilities will participate in the matching campaign. I would also challenge other companies to raise funds to this important campaign," said OPGA President Jim Andreassen. "The impact and results of these efforts are important to us all."